Wheat Gluten Dumping Investigation

Summary#

On June 19, 2026, the Canada Border Services Agency opened an investigation under the Special Import Measures Act into alleged injurious dumping of wheat gluten from the Italian Republic, the Republic of Poland, and the United Kingdom. Separately, the Public Service Commission of Canada granted permission on June 12, 2026 for two federal public servants — Pierre Mullie and Sileen Phillips — to run for municipal councillor in the October 26, 2026 municipal elections.

What it does#

• The Canada Border Services Agency starts a formal probe into whether wheat gluten imports from the Italian Republic, the Republic of Poland, and the United Kingdom were dumped in a way that hurt Canadian producers. The agency says a full product definition and tariff numbers are on its website. A Statement of Reasons will be posted within 15 days.
• The Public Service Commission of Canada allowed:
  • Pierre Mullie (from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada) to seek nomination and be a candidate for Councillor in the Township of Tiny.
  • Sileen Phillips (from Canada Revenue Agency) to seek nomination and be a candidate for Councillor in the City of Toronto.
  • Both permissions were issued on June 12, 2026 and cover the period before and during the election campaign.

Who's affected#

• Importers, distributors, customs brokers, and companies that buy or use wheat gluten (for food, feed, or industrial uses) if the investigation leads to duties or other measures.
• Canadian wheat gluten producers, who may be seeking protection if dumping is found.
• Municipal voters and communities in the Township of Tiny and the City of Toronto, who will see Pierre Mullie and Sileen Phillips on the ballot if they are nominated.
• The named federal departments: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Canada Revenue Agency, and the Public Service Commission of Canada because their employees are involved.

Why it matters#

• An anti-dumping investigation can, if it finds harm, lead to provisional or final duties that make imported wheat gluten more expensive. That can protect local producers but also raise costs for buyers and affect supply chains.
• The permissions from the Public Service Commission of Canada mean two federal employees can run in municipal races without having to resign now. That affects local elections and how voters choose candidates.
• At this stage the wheat gluten matter is only an investigation, not a finding. More detail is expected in the Statement of Reasons posted within 15 days.